Japanese guitarist, composer, and producer Masayoshi Takanaka has added new shows to his 2026 Australia and New Zealand tour due to overwhelming demand.
Following the rapid sellout of initial dates in Los Angeles earlier this year and strong demand across the Australia and New Zealand region, Takanaka will now perform five shows, bringing his vibrant, surf-inspired fusion sound to larger and additional venues.
This expanded run marks an extraordinary opportunity for local audiences to experience one of Japan’s most influential guitarists in a rare series of live performances. ‘City Pop Waves: Super Takanaka World Live 2026’ marks his first-ever world tour.
The tour will now kick off on Thursday, April 23rd at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, followed by Darling Harbour Theatre on April 24th, Melbourne’s Forum on April 26th and Northcote Theatre on April 27th, before concluding at Auckland’s Town Hall on April 29th.
Tickets will go on sale at 2pm (local) today (December 11th). See here (Australia) or here (New Zealand) for details.
Among the tour’s most anticipated highlights is the return of Takanaka’s famed surfboard guitar; a full-size guitar crafted from an actual surfboard and performed with only a handful of times before being placed on display for more than a decade. Fully restored for his 2026 tour, the instrument will once again appear on stage, offering fans a rare opportunity to witness a revived piece of musical history.
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Takanaka made his solo debut in 1976 with the album Seychelles. He soon established himself as a leading figure in Japan’s fusion and instrumental music scene, releasing a succession of acclaimed works including Ready To Fly, Blue Lagoon, and the iconic 1981 concept album The Rainbow Goblins, widely regarded as a milestone in Japanese instrumental music.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many internationally renowned artists such as Lee Ritenour, Carlos Santana, Narada Michael Walden, and Sheila E., contributing to both studio recordings and live performances. His artistry has earned him a reputation for technical brilliance, vibrant musicality, and a distinctive, colourful style.
He released music under Kitty Records and later Toshiba EMI before founding his own label, Lagoon Records, in 2000. Under this imprint, he has maintained full creative independence and continues to tour annually across Japan with unwavering enthusiasm.
For complete tour and ticket information, see here.
MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 2026
Thursday, April 23rd (NEW SHOW)
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney NSW
Friday, April 24th
Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney, Sydney NSW
Sunday, April 26th (NEW SHOW)
Forum, Melbourne VIC
Monday, April 27th
Northcote Theatre, Melbourne VIC
Wednesday, April 29th
Town Hall, Auckland NZ
